Alessandro Caruso Architects (ACA) recently attended the Design in Mental Health Awards 2026 in Coventry, where the Practice was represented by Co-Directors Amelia Caruso and Alex Caruso following the shortlisting of Langtree Care Home, Standish in the Project of the Future Design UK Award category.
The event, held as part of the Design in Mental Health Network Conference, brought together professionals from across healthcare, care, mental health and design disciplines to share knowledge, celebrate achievement and explore the future of therapeutic environments. For ACA, the conference provided a valuable opportunity to engage with industry leaders, gain insight into emerging trends and continue contributing to important conversations around person-centred design.
Throughout the conference, ACA attended a range of presentations examining the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare and care environments. Topics explored included innovation in care design, the evolving needs of residents and patients and the role that the built environment can play in supporting wellbeing, dignity and independence.
Alongside the conference programme, the exhibition provided ACA with the opportunity to connect with suppliers, manufacturers and specialists whose products and services are helping to shape the next generation of healthcare and care facilities. These discussions form an important part of ACA's ongoing commitment to delivering informed, evidence-based design solutions for clients across the sector.
A particular highlight of the event came during the Design in Mental Health Awards ceremony, where Langtree Care Home, Standish received a Highly Commended recognition from the judging panel in the Project of the Future Design UK Award category.
This special recognition was awarded to only a select number of entries and reflected the judges' acknowledgement of the project's design quality, innovation and contribution to the future of care environments.
Designed by ACA on behalf of Millennium Care Group, Langtree Care Home forms part of the wider Standish Care Village development. The 52-bed specialist dementia and nursing care home was carefully designed to support residents, staff and visitors through a welcoming, therapeutic environment that prioritises wellbeing and quality of life.
The project demonstrates ACA's commitment to creating environments that balance operational requirements with the human experience of care. Through thoughtful planning, strong connections to nature, calming interior environments and a household model of care, the design seeks to promote comfort, independence and a sense of community.
Receiving recognition at a nationally respected awards programme is a testament to the collaborative efforts of ACA, Millennium Care Group and the wider project team. It also highlights the growing importance of design in supporting positive outcomes within healthcare and care settings.
Reflecting on the event, Alex Caruso commented:
"We had a fantastic day networking, learning and what a great way to end the day by celebrating the judges' recognition on the Langtree Care Home development!"
The recognition of Langtree Care Home continues ACA's successful work within the healthcare and care sectors and builds upon previous achievements, including the international success of Porritt Care Village. These projects demonstrate ACA's ongoing dedication to creating environments that positively influence wellbeing and enhance the lives of those who use them.
ACA was proud to be recognised alongside many outstanding organisations and professionals working across the sector and extends its congratulations to all finalists, Highly Commended recipients and award winners celebrated during the event.
As healthcare and care environments continue to evolve, ACA remains committed to learning from industry best practice, embracing innovation and designing places that make a meaningful difference to people and communities.
